Weather tracker: sandstorm turns Iraqi skies orange and empties the streets

Two brothers, The Hai Phan and Khanh Hoi Phan, were convicted for cultivating cannabis in a rented Auckland property, where police discovered a growing operation with 115 plants and a hydroponic system during a raid on September 9, 2022. Despite the brothers' convictions, their landlord, who owned four other suspected “grow houses,” has not been prosecuted. The operation included measures to bypass the electricity meter, indicating an attempt to conceal excessive power usage. Full Article

The partner of Blues forward Cameron Suafoa shared an emotional video of him celebrating from his hospital bed after his team’s dramatic 20-19 comeback victory over the Chiefs, which secured their spot in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals. Josh Beehre scored the decisive try in the 84th minute, leading to Suafoa's enthusiastic cheers as he watched the game. His partner, Britt Hastings-Kutty, captured the moment on Instagram, showcasing Suafoa's joy despite being unable to join...

SummaryLabour’s Willie Jackson has urged Te Pāti Māori to compromise and prioritize key issues like health and housing after three of its MPs faced sanctions in Parliament. In response to Kiri Tamihere-Waititi's criticism of Jackson and MP Adrian Rurawhe for suggesting an apology from Te Pāti Māori, Jackson acknowledged her as an inspiring figure. Tamihere-Waititi accused them of trying to appease Pākehā and perpetuating colonization through their calls for apology, highlighting tensions within the political...

On her 51st birthday, radio legend Jay-Jay Feeney enjoys a dream trip to Vanuatu with her boyfriend Minou, where they discuss marriage. Celebrating at Champagne Beach, she reflects on an unexpectedly fun day that began with a special birthday breakfast at Turtle Bay Lodge, complete with a song from the staff and a gift from her ex, Dominic Harvey. The day culminates in a unique concert by the Leweton Water Music Ladies, enhancing her celebration...

An article from the New Yorker highlights how Dame Jacinda Ardern's Covid-19 policies polarized New Zealand, leading her to "vanish from public life" in her homeland. The piece notes that nearly half of her book, A Different Kind of Power, focuses on her life before Parliament and the initial enthusiasm surrounding her leadership, contrasting domestic perception with international views. Ardern's radical approach included one of the world's strictest lockdowns and border closures to eliminate Covid-19....

One person has died in a crash on the Desert Rd, leading to the closure of State Highway 1 for six hours. The two-vehicle collision occurred around 1:10 PM, prompting crash investigators to examine the wreckage, with detours set up around the affected section. The road is expected to reopen by 7 PM. Full Article